The Academy | TigerGK

NEXT GENERATION

ELITE YOUTH GOALKEEPER PLATFORM

THE ACADEMY IS TGK's ONLY INVITE ONLY TRAINING PROGRAM

COMMON QUESTIONS

How does a goalkeeper get evaluated?

Primarily through our weekly training sessions, goalkeepers would have worked with Tiger Goalkeeping coaches on more than one occasion where they have shown to have advanced and consistent technical abilities and great tactical understanding of the position. Also, they have proved to have the type of competitive attitude that we strive to create in our environment each Academy session.

Is the evaluation process open to anyone?

Yes. Goalkeepers of all ages and levels can opt-in to be evaluated for the Academy program

What if I believe my goalkeeper should be in Academy sessions?

Start by filling out the form by clicking here with a detailed description of your goalkeeper's playing experience and background. From there, we will reach out for a conversation, which will result in an invitation to either a future Clinic for evaluation or a session with the Academy as a trial.

Are Academy spots limited?

Yes. To maintain a strong coach-to-goalkeeper ratio and create a competitive training environment, Next Gen Academy spots are limited at each location. This allows our staff to provide detailed instruction and meaningful development opportunities for every goalkeeper in the program.

Can I buy a TGA uniform?

No. Unfortunately we do not sell any Academy apparel.

NEXT GEN ACADEMY

Our Next Generation Academy is built for youth goalkeepers performing well beyond the typical level for their age—both in competitive games and training environments. Like our Senior Academy, this program is tailored for young keepers who’ve already demonstrated impressive technical ability, raw instincts, and a strong mentality for the position. As with the Senior Academy, entry into this program is by invitation only.

In Next Gen, we focus on refining and building upon the technical strengths that earned each keeper their spot. Sessions are designed to challenge and develop their skill set even further, while also placing a stronger emphasis on tactical awareness and decision-making. The goal is to help these young athletes grow into confident, well-rounded goalkeepers who are prepared for higher levels of training and competition—now and in the future.

As with the Senior Academy, Next Gen is is open to goalkeepers ages 11–19, and all interested goalkeepers are welcome to participate in an evaluation trial period regardless of current club level or experience. During evaluations goalkeepers will be assessed, and at the end of the trial period, goalkeepers will either be offered placement or receive a detailed evaluation outlining areas for development.. We have currently have goalkeepers involved in these platforms; MLS Next, ECNL, Girls Academy, USYNT Talent pathways, other Regional and National leagues, and higher ODP platforms.

Michigan training locations; Grand Rapids & Metro Detroit

2026 ACADEMY STAFF

Chris Taborn

Director

Dan Hesselbein

Coach

Tori Christ

Coach

Addy

Club Premier

Allison

ECNL (2025 ID2 Spotlight Game)

Blade

MLS Next - Philadelphia Union

Braxton

MLS Next

Breelynn

Girls Academy & State ODP

Bryna

ECNL-RL

Cameron

MLS Next

Colton

ECNL-RL

Connor

MLS Next

Emma

Girls Academy

Gracie

Girls Academy

Gustavo

ECNL-RL

Hailey

Pre-ECNL

Harper

Girls Academy

Hudson

MLS Next II

Izzy

ECNL & U.S. Talent ID

Jonah

ECNL-RL

Jonathan

MLS Next II

Kembree

Girls Academy

Kenzie

Girls Academy II & State ODP

Laine

Girls Academy

Max

Club Premier

Nick

MLS Next & U.S. Talent ID

Reggie

MLS Next

Rhyan

Girls Academy

Rilynn

Girls Academy

Sebastian

MLS Next

Vinnie

MLS Next

The Pathway

The Next Gen and Senior Academy programs were built to provide our most advanced goalkeepers with a platform to train alongside others who share the same skill level, mindset, and long-term goals. Goalkeepers are typically invited from our Weekly Clinics or Camps, having consistently demonstrated advanced technical ability, strong decision-making, and a commitment to development that stands out. While our Clinics remain the foundation of Tiger Goalkeeping—where every goalkeeper begins building their base—the Academy platforms serve as the next step for those preparing for or already competing at higher levels.

The Next Gen Academy acts as the bridge into our Senior Academy, designed to prepare goalkeepers ages 12–14 for that transition. At age 14, our staff evaluates whether each goalkeeper is ready to advance or would benefit from another year of growth in the Next Gen environment. This pathway ensures that every goalkeeper progresses with purpose, confidence, and readiness for the next level of their journey.

Senior Academy

Embrace Messy Learning

Weekly Training Clinics

Our Weekly Clinics provide the premier training environment for goalkeepers of all ages and skill levels, emphasizing technical development and sharp decision-making through realistic, game-like scenarios each week. It’s where consistent, high-quality training builds confident and complete goalkeepers.

Train With Us

Seasonal Camps Series

Our Seasonal Camps — including our Summer Saves and Tune-Up Camp series — offer a fun, competitive environment where goalkeepers learn from our experienced coaching staff and train alongside other motivated goalkeepers. Each camp delivers focused instruction, energy, and opportunities to grow every session.

Upcoming Camps